School is almost finished, the weather has finally warmed up and Canada’s 150^th is just around the corner. SUMMER IS HERE!! I love that Canada Day falls at the beginning of the summer. It gives us an excuse to stop working and enjoy some time together with family and friends. What is your family doing to celebrate? Here’s a list of 10 ideas to get you started. Put on your red and white, grab a flag and show your Canadian Spirit!

1. Go to Fort Calgary where they’ll have family friendly activities including live music and a free pancake breakfast.
2. Watch a parade – Canmore, Banff, and Airdrie celebrate with great community parades. A little local flair with local businesses participating as well as a few floats practicing for the Calgary Stampede. Don’t forget to bring water and your sunscreen, and pack a bag for all the candy they throw into the crowds!
3. Spend the morning celebrating Confederation Park’s 50^th birthday. There will be free horse-drawn wagon rides, live entertainment on the Stampede stage and new play spaces for the kids. History will be unveiled with the opening of a time capsule that was sealed at the park’s opening in 1967. What do you think might be in it?
4. Not all celebrations need to be held with crowds of people. Have a barbecue in the backyard or at the lake, and invite your family and friends.
5. It usually takes a guest from out of town to remind us that we have one of the great wonders of the world right in our back yard. Take a day trip to Kananaskis or Banff for a hike on one of the beautiful trails - and be back in the city by dinner.
6. Kids love amusement parks. Calaway Park is only minutes outside of Calgary and has Canada’s birthday in mind. The first 1,000 guests will receive a cupcake to celebrate Canada’s 150th.
7. There has been lots of talk lately about bringing the Olympics back to Calgary. Go to the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame to remind yourself of all of the great athletes our country has produced. Add in a trip down the bobsleigh track or zip lining for extra fun!
8. Who says Neighbour Day has to be a one-day affair? Bring out the red and white streamers, wheel the barbecue out to the front lawn and hold a neighbourhood street party.
9. As the day winds down take in Shakespeare by the Bow’s performance of As You Like It. Pack a picnic for dinner and grab a blanket to enjoy the evening.
10. Cap the day off by watching the incredible fireworks display held at the Centre Street Bridge. There are several good viewing points including McHugh Bluff Park, Nose Hill Park, and the South Bow River Pathway. If you want to head out of town Airdrie, Chestermere, Okotoks, Black Diamond, High River, Banff, and Canmore are also having fireworks displays.

Happy Canada Day everyone!